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Ireland vs Wales Rugby League World Cup Preview and Team News - Ireland to finish campaign with second victory

Ireland look to continue their impressive Rugby League World Cup form when they take on Wales in their final group game at nib Stadium in Perth on Sunday.

Not much was expected of Ireland coming into the World Cup, but they’ve been the overachievers of the competition so far, upsetting the more-fancied Italy in they opening match before pushing Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby last week.

Papua New Guinea had destroyed Wales a week earlier and a similar scoreline was predicted again, but Ireland fought superbly and refused to give in, eventually succumbing by a respectable 14-6.

Given the format of the World Cup, that match was pretty much a quarter-final qualifier, with Papua New Guinea set to advance from the group - providing they don’t slip up against the USA earlier on Sunday.

Nevertheless, going home with two wins is certainly a pass for Ireland, and they look likely to do that against a Wales side that hasn’t made any impact so far.

Wales conceded 50 points against PNG, while they leaked 72 against a rampant Fijian outfit last week. They’ve only managed to score two tries all tournament.

With Ireland’s defence extremely difficult to break down, don’t bank on Wales scoring more points on Sunday in Perth. Back Ireland to continue their good form with a comfortable victory.

Stats

Ireland beat Wales 46-14 in their only other meeting in 2014

Ireland need USA to stun PNG in order to qualify for the quarter-finals